Eichler’s preliminary hearing, which would have determined if there was enough evidence to go to trial, was due to start in Regina’s provincial court Monday morning. Instead, in both cases, Eichler agreed to commit to judge and jury trial, bypassing the need for the prelim.

The trial will likely take place next year at Regina’s Court of Queen’s Bench.

Bear, 23, has been missing since August 2013 when she was last seen at a home on Retallack Street. Bear was reported missing to Regina police on Sept. 5.

Bear’s body has not been found but evidence found in the police investigation indicates she has died. Eichler has also been charged with offering an indignity to a body.

Goforth, 21, was the victim of Regina’s seventh murder in 2013. Her body was found in an alley behind the 1700 block of McAra street on Sept. 25, 2013.

The families of both women have been present in the various court proceedings. On Monday morning, Goforth’s mother Maxine was in the court room with family members to once again see Eichler face a judge.

Eichler will return to court via video Jan. 6, 2016, in relation to a charge of aggravated sexual assault of another aboriginal woman. Eichler allegedly choked her with duct tape and a garden hose in 2012.

If convicted police have said Eichler would be considered Regina’s first serial killer.